HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed News

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Action Figures, we've got some news,

This has happened quickly, and we're a little overwhelmed right now, but we want to be fully transparent with you. I know you'll have many questions, so I've included a brief FAQ below. Should you have more questions, please let us know!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2193600/Paranormal_Tales/

[h3]FAQ[/h3]
What is Paranormal Tales?
Paranormal Tales is a UE5 bodycam-style horror game based on found footage where you experience the tragic tales of those who went missing. Do you have what it takes to reach the end of the footage?

How long have you been developing it?
Paranormal Tales is a passion/side project that I (Joe) and a close friend of mine (Joure) have worked incredibly hard on over the past eight months in our spare time. About a week ago, we announced it to the world for the first time alongside a reveal trailer. It went insanely viral, something we never expected to happen in a million years.

When is Paranormal Tales released?
2023

Why Digital Cybercherries?
Well, we already have a very close working relationship with DCC. To achieve the vision and execution we want for PT, Digital Cybercherries is a perfect fit. With all this exposure, we want to make sure we can deliver a quality product.

What does this mean for the future of Hypercharge?
We started the development of Hypercharge in 2015. It’s been one emotional rollercoaster, and we’re so grateful for the support you’ve given us over the years. I mean, wow, we have been working relentlessly on this game for over eight years, listening to your feedback and shipping over a dozen major content updates for free. I’d be lying if I didn’t say we’re all a little tired over here, and hopefully, you can appreciate we’re excited to start working on something fresh. However, we plan on sticking to the production schedule already in place for Hypercharge, including finishing the story campaign, survival mode, launching on other platforms, massive gameplay and UI improvements, etc. We’re not that far off, and with focus and continued hard work, we can likely achieve all this sometime next year. To clarify, Hypercharge is our priority; however, it will receive its final chapter (so to speak) next year. Please note this does not mean that it will not receive any quality-of-life improvements. We intend to fix bugs and improve aspects of the game after its final update.

[h3]Original Statement[/h3]


[h3]Paranormal Tales Discord[/h3]


Have a wonderful start to your week. - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord | TikTok

Please note: The official Hypercharge Infection servers are currently offline - they will be back up and running soon. In the meantime, you can play with your friends by creating your own lobby.

Small Soldiers,

We're incredibly proud to announce the launch of our #10th major update! Woohoo! None of this would have been possible without your support. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! If you're a fan of Halo infection or remember TimeSplitters 2 Virus mode, then you're in for a big treat.

Happy Halloween! There are no tricks here... Only treats! Things are getting spooky in the world of Hypercharge... There are pumpkins, cobwebs, and some shiny lights scattered throughout each level. But there's something else... You can run, and you can hide, but how long can you survive? Welcome to the new Infection Mode!



So, what's exactly new? Well, first, I'd like to point out that we're still working on improvements and fixes for this mode. We'd love to hear your feedback to help us further improve it. Infection mode (think of it as Plague 2.0) introduces a cool new feature - "Boss Infected". The boss infected has the ability to fire green blasts that can render areas of the map inaccessible -this means survivors can no longer camp in frustrating/impossible places to reach. We've also invested a lot of time into the player bots, which is good news for offline players who will have a much better experience playing alone. Infection mode is a blast to play, and we highly recommend playing with friends.

What are you waiting? It's time to survive!

Become Major Evil himself and Infect other action figures to become your minions. Tip: Use the fire blast!

Captain Grim Beard has joined the fight and is ready to use his (un)deadly experience on the toyfield!

Do you think Ghost Rider can compete with the one and only Green Knight? I don't think so!

Flashlights are now more critical than ever. Work together as a team, and most of all, stay near light!

We didn't just add pumpkins and flashy lights... Every map on Infection mode is now night themed!

PATCH NOTES
[h3]ADDED[/h3]

• New Infection Mode (was Plague mode) - One player is chosen as the 'Boss' infected, who has the ability to fire blasts that can render areas of the map inaccessible. Match is now only one round; either the last survivor or the Boss infected will win the game.
  
• New 'Grimbeard' Head - new character head for the Wraith character type that can be unlocked by playing Plague.
  
• New 'Green Knight' Head - another new character head for the Wraiths, also unlocked by playing Plague.
  
• New Halloween themed decorations for all maps!
  
• New SFX group for the 'Max Damage' boss infected. (Footsteps, Damage, Foley etc)
  

[h3]FIXED[/h3]

• Fixed many cheese-areas on all maps for the Plague and PvP modes. Less sneaky camp and hiding spots available.
  
• Fixed Radar multithread crash issue on some systems.
  
• Fixed not being able to change difficulty in the game rules when bots are disabled (in Waves mode)
  
• Fixed round-change team sorting when bots are added/removed from an online match.
  
• Fixed missing hitmarker when a player infects someone.
  
• Fixed some music tracks in PvP from having a strange fade-mix on round start.
  
• Fixed pooled particle cache type update for footsteps, weapons and explosions.
  
• Fixed some enemy meshes being removed improperly on death due to broken weapon classes.
  
• Fixed announcement events showing up in Plague mode.
  
• Fixed some character materials not flashing red when a player is damaged in PvP.
  
• Fixed voice command radial menu showing up for infected players.
  
• Fixed Demolisher getting stuck outside the Bathroom map (again).
  
• Fixed environment query system not using actor feet location for testing nav movement.
  
• Fixed incorrect round counting in PvP.
  
• Fixed Bots having incorrect death counts in PvP/Plague modes over multiple rounds.
  
• Fixed Jetpack not dropping on death when using PvP Weapon Sets.
  
• Fixed Weapon Set pickups not restoring last picked up weapon on failed pickup event.
  
• Fixed team weapon materials not working with weapon sets.
  
• Fixed TRex AI sometimes getting stuck outside of map.
  
• Fixed crash with first-person camera during invalid windowframe size.
  
• Fixed rounding error in UI completion percentage generation code.
  
• Fixed tracking angle of some of the non-directional facing turrets.
  
• Fixed antiair turret, not aiming at the mothership.
  
• Fixed mothership indicator being hidden by mothership itself.
  
• Fixed missing enemy and weapon priorities for bot AI tables.
  
• Fixed particle system missing owning object crashes in the core engine.
  
• Fixed Kitchen ceiling fan rotation in PvP and Plague modes by disabling their movement.
  
• Fixed health component calling client functions on server-controlled pawns.
  
• Fixed rare crash by removing populate hidden meshes in player controller.
  
• Fixed low-quality LOD meshes on missile truck tracker.
  

[h3]IMPROVED[/h3]

• Improved customisation menu items to better show what a locked head/skin looks like when hovered over.
  
• Improved UFO Mothership boss damage FX and health system. Boss is less spongy, and it is more obvious which components can be broken off.
  
• Improved Bot survivor AI in plague mode.
  

Remember, you can run, you can hide, but how long can you survive?

Have an awesome Halloween ahead. - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord | TikTok

Action Heroes,

We're pleased to announce the arrival of Major Update 9, which sees massive improvements to PvP and many fixes to waves-mode. While PvP is not the primary game mode in Hypercharge, we intend to enhance the core experience of all player vs player modes - and we believe this update is the first step towards doing just that. Major Update 9 may not seem as hefty as previous updates, but there are many significant gameplay changes. As always, we are doing our best to listen to player feedback and improve the game.

If you'd like to share ideas and suggestions, please let us know on our feedback or Discord server.



https://store.steampowered.com/app/523660/HYPERCHARGE_Unboxed/
Tell your friends because Hypercharge is now -20% OFF in Steam's Midweek Madness!

The sky is your limit... Well, the top shelf is! Find a Jetpack and rain down plastic bb-pellets from above!

By default in PvP, weapons will now spawn as unique complete sets. Tip: The Golden Minigun is deadly!

A new enemy type that's out of this world, the Alien Queen. Don't get too close to the mothership.

PATCH NOTES
[h3]ADDED[/h3]

• Added new Mothership Boss (Fort Jeep)
  
• Added new Alien Queen & Alien Queenlet Enemies (Fort Jeep)
  
• Added new Weapon-Set system for PvP (Full groups of weapons and attachments as one pickup)
  
• Added new Voice Announcer for PvP
  
• Added new crosshair event icons for when you kill or break a shield in PvP
  
• Added screen FX when picking up health.
  
• Added kill multiplier detection for PvP (Double Kill, Triple Kill etc.)
  
• Added kill streak detection for PvP
  
• Added many new awards for PvP (Assist, Headshots etc)
  
• Added StreamerMode option to allow hiding of Lobby Join Codes and Steam User Names of all players.
  
• Added new sound feedback for kills and deaths in PvP
  
• Added new pickup ammo sound for PvP
  
• Added new music tracks to PvP
  
• Added new rank and score HUD for PvP modes
  

[h3]FIXED[/h3]

• Fixed Bosses getting stuck outside the map when given a forced enemy
  
• Fixed LAN mode option not saving in the options menu
  
• Fixed AI cleaned up behaviour node memory crash bug
  
• Fixed late-shader loading crash bug
  
• Fixed Tracker being called a Battery when trying to pick up
  
• Fixed late spawn glitch causing blueprint FX to lock on the screen
  
• Fixed invalid networked pickup class crash bug
  
• Fixed batteries dropping from the prize machine in PvP - more weapon drops instead!
  
• Fixed contstainted particles spam performance issue
  
• Fixed some unlocks not being obtainable in the UI
  
• Fixed Bosses and UFO code to stop them getting stuck outside of levels trying to hit enemies
  
• Fixed late loading crosshair widgets causing frame drop when first using a weapon
  
• Fixed non-poolable particles being spawned by the emitter instance system
  
• Fixed incorrect pickup delay in PvP resulting in picking up items too fast
  
• Fixed missing lobby UI inclusion crash error
  
• Fixed crash when joining lobby from external connect code upon game launch
  
• Fixed death camera not showing player who killed you in dedicated servers
  
• Fixed short bullet distance of a few weapons
  
• Fixed a hole that players could use to get into an enemy spawn area on the top shelf in ToyPalace
  
• Fixed invite code not being copied to clipboard when opening the invite code dialog
  
• Fixed incorrect battery spawn from Operation Alley
  
• Fixed incorrect pickup sounds and FX on powerups, weapons and ammo
  

[h3]IMPROVED[/h3]

• Improved performance with a LOD pass on all maps
  
• Improved taking damage UI outline and colours for better on-damage feedback.
  
• Improved networked damage feedback for PvP to ensure network messages are priorities for when taking damage.
  
• Improved damage feedback when killing enemies, improved ragdolls and FX.
  
• Improved balance and spawn rate of pickups in PvP
  
• Improved detailing on various levels (cobwebs in attic etc.)
  
• Improved lighting performance on many levels
  

That's it for now, small soldiers!

Have a wonderful rest of your day. - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord | TikTok

https://store.steampowered.com/recommended/recommendgame/523660

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Small Soldiers,

We’re incredibly proud to show off our upcoming story campaign, which will be implemented into the adventure wave-based mode. This means players will finally understand the lore of Hypercharge, why they must defend the Hypercore, and why Major Evil must be stopped.

What can players expect?
At the start of each wave, players will be presented with a '90s-inspired visual comic, and an epic narrator will describe the story as you progress through each level. But that's not all... If you manage to reach the last level, it's on you to stop Major Evil once and for all. We believe the story campaign will tie the entire game together and give it more depth and an emotional connection to the player. You will finally feel you are working towards something.

Optional Objectives
When in build/exploration mode, players can complete optional objectives that focus on platforming and searching for secrets. Again, very '90s inspired! More info about that soon.

When will the Story Campaign update launch?
No ETA just yet, but we are already far ahead with the campaign - however, we want to make sure it's fully polished and properly working. As you know, we like to take our time and not rush out content.

Please note: The story campaign will not be a standalone mode. We intend to add it to the waves-based mode.




Lastly, we're extremely honoured to become finalists in the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2022 for Best Casual Game! We're up there with some big names, and the final results will come on 10 November 2022


Thanks for your continued support! - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord | TikTok

We apologise for the network issues and multiple updates. We've experienced some issues with our multi-build system that was not keeping platforms properly in sync. We should have solved the checksum mismatch issues and performance regression issues now.

Please make sure your game version (in the bottom right of the Main Menu) is set to 0.2.4261.560 or above.

We have a new Crash detection system that has also allowed us to fix MANY crash bugs and glitches and found many more new ones due to the influx of new players. Thank you everyone who submitted a bug and reported what they could. This hotfix now contains a few more deep-engine crash issues.

Dear Small Soldiers,

Wow… Who would have thought that action figures would be the new trend?! We had no idea that our indie game would suddenly explode into such popularity, literally overnight. And not to make excuses, but we're a small team of five indie devs - so you can imagine how many things we currently must juggle, haha! (that's us below, hello!) If you are experiencing any issues, please let us know on our Steam Forums and we'll do our best to help.



[h3]TL;DR[/h3]
- We're working on a story campaign for the waves-mode.
- We're vastly overhauling all PvP modes.
- We're improving and balancing waves-mode (this includes buildables, enemies, etc).
- Were listening to your feedback, thank you for the support!
- This is our Discord.

So, for those who are new, we put together an extensive FAQ:

- Is Hypercharge: Unboxed for me?
Hypercharge is designed for young and young-at-heart people. If you love action figures, wave-based shooters, basic defense building, co-op, and classic ‘90s inspired gameplay, then Hypercharge may just be your cup of tea. It’s easy to jump in and out of allowing you to progress at your own pace. It’s a classic shooter that focuses on light-hearted battles.

- What is Hypercharge Unboxed?
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a Solo and Co-op Wave-based First/Third-Person Shooter that has the player fighting to defend the Hypercore; it’s a dangerous world when you’re a pint-sized Action Figure.

- What game modes are there? PvE (Changing to Story Campaign soon)
This is the main game mode. Your primary aim is to protect the Hypercore while surviving each wave. If the enemy destroys each Hypercore, it’s game over. You spawn in your toy packaging, break out of it (literally), and must search each environment for weapons, attachments, coins, batteries, and even hidden secrets. Once you’ve collected enough resources, it’s time to power and build up your basic defenses. If you feel you’re ready to battle the first wave, you can skip build/exploration mode.

PvP
Our Player vs Player modes are not as detailed/in depth as the main PvE mode, yet. However, they provide some great classic deathmatch fun!

Deathmatch: Includes server rules and player bots.
Team deathmatch: Includes server rules and player bots.
Plague: Includes player bots.

- Can I play solo?
Yes, you can play offline on your own.

- Is there a story mode?
Not yet, but we're working on one!

- Is there a survival mode?
Not right now, but we're working on one!

- Can I play with bots?
Yes, you can choose to play with or without player bots in PvP and PvE.

- How many friends can I play co-op with?
Up to 4 players. The game's difficulty scales based on the number of players.

- How many friends can I play PvP with?
Up to 8 players.

- Are there difficulty modes?
Yes, there are four difficulty modes for PvE and PvP, each offering a different challenge. This includes: Casual, Regular, Expert, and Nightmare.

- Is there a tutorial?
Yes

- Are there microtransactions?
No. We believe you should unlock everything in-game with hard work, just like the '90s!

- Can I play in split screen?
You bet! Hypercharge has full Split Screen support.

- Can I play locally?
Yes.

- Can I play with a controller?
Definitely. Hypercharge has full controller support.

- Is there matchmaking?
Hypercharge has basic matchmaking that pairs you with players that meet your search criteria.

- Can I create an online lobby?
Yes, Hypercharge has Online Lobby support. Simply create a lobby and invite your by giving them your Friend Code (bottom right of the lobby).

- Is there a server browser?
Yes.

- Can I use aim down sights?
Hypercharge uses classic hip fire aiming. However, you can unlock "ADS" via the in-game cheats menu. It's not fully functional, as it's more of a fun gimmick. We may consider adding some form of ADS attachments for some weapons.

- What perspective can I play Hypercharge from?
Hypercharge supports first and third-person camera modes (with multiple camera options).

- Is there progression?
Yes, the more levels you complete, the more you unlock. This includes new action figures/skins, weapon skins, medals, and much more.

- Is there cross-platform support?
Not right now, but we're hoping to implement it.

- What is the age rating?
PEGI 7

- Is Hypercharge suitable for kids?
If they meet the age rating above, yes! It’s action figures vs toys. There is no gore or profanity. In fact, even the weapons you fire are plastic BB pellets.

- Is Hypercharge suitable for Mom and Dad?
We designed Hypercharge for young and young-at-heart people, especially Mom and Dad. Parents get to share their gaming childhood nostalgia with their kids, and their kids get to take on the role of an action figure, just like in classic movies such as Toy Story or Small Soldiers. The whole family get to share a special nostalgic experience when playing.

- What engine is the game made in?
Unreal Engine 4.

- Does it support Windows?
Yes. (Windows 7 and 10)

- Does it support Linux?
Yes, Hypercharge has native Linux support.

- Can it run on the Steam Deck?
Yes, Hypercharge is Steam Deck Verified.

- Can I purchase a four pack?
Unfortunately, Steam no longer supports four packs.

- System Requirements | Windows

MINIMUM:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 13 GB available space

RECOMMENDED:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 
Processor: Intel i7-4770
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 15 GB available space

- System Requirements | SteamOS + Linux

MINIMUM:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640
Storage: 13 GB available space

RECOMMENDED:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
Processor: Intel i7-4770
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
Storage: 15 GB available space

- How big is your team?
We’re just five dudes who love Action Figures.

- What inspired you to make Hypercharge: Unboxed?
We're big fans of Small Soldiers the movie and games such as Sarge's Heroes, Toy Commander, and of course, Counter-Strike 1.6 de_rats! There's just something special about action figures, and something more special when playing as one.

- Is the game still receiving updates?
Oh yes. Since 2020 we’ve launched over 8 major content updates based on player feedback, for free! We’re actively developing the game with our community.

- Is the game out on Nintendo Switch?
Yes

- Is the game out on Xbox?
Not yet, but soon!

- Is the game out on PlayStation?
It will be!

See you on the toyfield, recruits! - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord | TikTok